WOONSOCKET, RI  – June 27, 2024 – During an event at Thundermist Health Center today, Governor Dan McKee signed three bills supporting reproductive health care and those who identify as LGBTQ+ in Rhode Island. The new laws now provide legal protections for health care providers who administer reproductive or gender-affirming care; eliminate prior authorization for HIV medication prescriptions; and outline the process by which a person can legally change their name in the city of town where they live. 

The Governor was joined by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, bill sponsors Sen. Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13), Sen. Tiara Mack (D-Dist. 6), Sen. Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24), and Rep. Robert Craven, Sr. (D-Dist. 32), Woonsocket Mayor Chris Beauchamp, as well as community partners at Woonsocket’s Thundermist Health Center for the signing. 

“Rhode Island should be seen as a safe place where you can freely be who you are, and these important laws are another example of how Rhode Island is reaffirming its commitment to supporting reproductive rights and the LGBTQ+ community,” said Governor  Dan McKee.  “I am grateful for the diligent work of our partners in the General Assembly and the bill sponsors whose tireless efforts have helped make our state a welcoming place for all people.” 

The first bill ( 7577A / 2262B ),  sponsored by Senator Euer and Representative John Edwards (D-Dist. 70), provides Rhode Island health care providers with a protective legal shield to assist individuals seeking access to reproductive and transgender health care services. This shield prevents civil or criminal action against Rhode Island providers by other states or individuals. 

“As more states have banned established, best-practice health care, particularly care related to reproductive and transgender health, some states have not been content to stop at their own borders and are targeting health care providers who provide this care in states where it is legal, including Rhode Island,” said  Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Euer.  “As a Rhode Island state legislator, I want to ensure that we are preserving our right and ability to regulate our health care providers and protect them so that they can continue to provide essential, standard health care to all Rhode Islanders.”  

“Many of the providers are family medicine physicians and other primary care providers, including nurse practitioners who provide a wide range of essential health care to the general population across our state,” said Rep.  Edwards.  “This bill takes a common-sense approach to protecting Rhode Island’s health care infrastructure, our providers, and our patients. It makes clear that access to reproductive health care and essential health care for transgender people are legal rights in Rhode Island.”  

The second bill ( 7625A / 2255A ),  sponsored by Sen. Murray and Rep. Rebecca Kislak (D-Dist. 4), eliminates the prior authorization or step therapy requirement for any HIV prevention medication prescription. The law also prohibits requiring any copayment or deductible to obtain the prescription drug covered by the contract, plan, or policy. 

“We know that PrEP and PEP are up to 99% effective at preventing HIV transmission when taken as directed and have been one of the most effective tools for preventing transmission globally,” said Senator  Murray.  “This is why there is such a critical need to ensure rapid, cost-free access. Otherwise, we risk sacrificing the progress made in combating the HIV epidemic over the past 30 years. This bill helps ensure that people who are at high risk for HIV can access the preventive care they need to remain HIV-negative and live full, healthy lives.”  

“This legislation is an important step forward in preventative care and will ensure that no one faces barriers to protecting themselves from HIV,” said  Rep. Kislak.  “PrEP and PEP are incredible tools that are saving lives from a virus that devastated a generation, and the critical importance of access to them cannot be overstated. Prevention is the key to ensuring we never go backwards in the fight against HIV.”  

The third bill ( 8155A / 2667A ),  sponsored by Senator Mack and Representative Craven, outlines the process for a person to apply for a name change in the probate court of the town or city where they reside. It also makes the statute regarding name change gender-neutral. 

“This update to the law will provide a more inclusive and easier process for Rhode Island residents who wish to change their name. The measure will also offer better protection for individuals seeking to change their name due to safety or other concerns,” said Senator  Mack.  “Nationwide attacks on the LGBTQ+ community have left many communities with little hope that state legislatures will produce bills that protect rather than harm. As our society continues to evolve into a more inclusive and diverse whole, we must update our laws to reflect these changes and show solidarity with our LGBTQ+ neighbors, which this legislation does.”  

“If a person wishes to change their name, it should be an easy and simple process and not an overly complicated endeavor,” said  Rep. Craven.  “This legislation will help alleviate anxiety for applicants while also taking an inclusive approach to supporting Rhode Island’s diverse population, including protections for those who may be harassed or persecuted because of their gender or sexual identity and victims of domestic violence.”  

All laws come into force once they are approved.